Last updated on March 24th, 2023 at 07:21 pm
Though Australia is known for its strict laws and regulations regarding road vehicle importation, I would like to share with you the steps you must take when importing cars to Australia from Japan in this post.
The various processes of importing vehicles into Australia are difficult, but they can be made easier with proper planning and guidance. In this article, we will take you through the steps you need to follow to import a road vehicle into Australia and ensure compliance with Australian road vehicle standards.
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How to Import car from Japan to Australia
Step 1: Research
Generally, before you begin the process of importing a car into Australia, it is crucial to determine which type of approval you will need, whether your vehicle can be registered and how to prepare it. There are two main types of approvals you can apply for: a single-road vehicle application or vehicle type approval.
Step 2: Apply for an Approval
If you are importing an individual vehicle for personal use or special-purpose vehicles still for your personal use, you will need to apply for a single-road vehicle importation application.
You will also need to apply for approval even if you don’t plan to use the vehicle on public roads, for example, if it is a vehicle you want to use for an exhibition, race, or test vehicle.
Also, if you are importing cars in commercial quantities for a particular type of new vehicle, you will need vehicle type approval.
Once you have determined which type of approval you will need, you can apply for it through the department’s online applications and approvals portal, ROVER. Complete and submit the form online.
The online portal will guide you through the application process, but make sure to include all the required information and documents specified so that your application can be assessed.
Step 3: Receive Approval
Once your application has been approved, you will receive a notification from the department to email and on the portal.
Step 4: Arrange Vehicle Shipping
After receiving the approval, you can now go ahead and arrange for the shipping of your vehicle down to Australia. However, before you do so, you may need to take care of other preparations, such as steam cleaning and asbestos testing first off.
Step 5: Seek Customs Clearance
To complete the customs clearance process, you will need to lodge an import declaration and pay Customs duty, GST, and Luxury Car Tax if applicable. You can seek advice from a customs broker or freight forwarder on the requirements or arrange for them to coordinate the process for you.
Step 6: Meet Australian Quarantine Requirements
You will also need to meet the Australian quarantine requirements by lodging a Quarantine Entry and arranging for an inspection appointment. The Australian Border Force website has comprehensive advice on the ‘Importing a motor vehicle’ page.
Step 7: Meet Conditions of Approval
Once you have met the quarantine requirements, you will need to meet any conditions of your approval. This may require modifications to your vehicle to meet road vehicle standards, testing, and developing evidence of compliance.
Step 8: Register Your Vehicle
Finally, if you want to use your vehicle on a public road, you will need to register it in your state or territory. Not all vehicles that receive an import approval can be registered in all states, so make sure to check with your local registration authority.
The Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) is a publicly searchable online database of approved vehicles that contains the relevant vehicle details and compliance information.
Steps required importing cars to Australia from Japan
These are the steps to follow to import your car to Australia from Japan.
Step 1: Apply for the import of your vehicle
Register with ROBER to complete the online application.2 The government quiz will help you determine which import option is best for your situation. After completing the application form, you will need to pay the fee.
Step 2: Wait for the approval
It can take up 60 business days for your initial application to import your vehicle to be approved.3 Some conditions may be included in the approval email by the Australian Government.
Step 3: Arrange shipping
After you get your approval, you can arrange for the car to be shipped to Australia. These things are easy to do.
- Steam cleaning of vehicle
- If necessary, the air-conditioning gas was removed
- If necessary, asbestos testing and removal have been completed
Step 4: Clearance from Australian Customs
Your vehicle must be cleared customs upon arrival in Australia. You will need to file an import declaration and pay any Australian duties or taxes.
Step 5: Get past the Australian quarantine
Next, you will need to file a Quarantine entry with the Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment. Finally arrange for an inspection of the vehicle.
Step 6: If necessary, meet approval conditions
You might have to complete the following if your car is subject to import conditions.
- Organise to have your vehicle modified
- You can gather evidence to prove that it is compliant
- Apply to get your car on the Register of Approval Vehicles
After your vehicle is imported, you can apply for state road registration.
Conclusion
By following these eight steps, you can ensure a smooth and successful process of importing a road vehicle into Australia. Keep in mind that taking the right steps to import your vehicle will help avoid incurring unnecessary costs down the line and will ensure compliance with Australian road vehicle standards, keeping Australians safe on the roads. To apply for an import approval, head to the ROVER portal or visit the department’s website to read more about the ‘8 steps to import a vehicle. Detailed Professional Car Window Tinting Guide
